Cruising to Messina, Sicily

As the northernmost point on Sicily's Ionian Coast, Messina has developed into an important port town over the years, and while most people don't spend too much time in the city itself, there are a few sites that are well worth experiencing if you happen to be passing through.

Indeed, before continuing onwards to other destinations in Sicily, be sure to explore the Norman Duomo, which was originally built in the 12th century and is considered to be among the most spectacular cathedrals on the island. Just outside it, in the Piazza del Duomo, you'll find the stunning campanile, which houses an astronomical clock that's said to be the largest in the world. Like a giant cuckoo clock, it chimes every day at noon with a somewhat unique mechanical spectacle, featuring a lion and a cockrel.

Elsewhere, the Museo Regionale is the place to head to if you want to see the city's top art collection, while anyone interested in sampling the best in local cuisine should be sure to try the swordfish at one of the city's restaurants, as it's said to be a real speciality in this part of Sicily.

Messina, Sicily

As the northernmost point on Sicily's Ionian Coast, Messina has developed into an important port town over the years, and while most people don't spend too much time in the city itself, there are a few sites that are well worth experiencing if you happen to be passing through.

Indeed, before continuing onwards to other destinations in Sicily, be sure to explore the Norman Duomo, which was originally built in the 12th century and is considered to be among the most spectacular cathedrals on the island. Just outside it, in the Piazza del Duomo, you'll find the stunning campanile, which houses an astronomical clock that's said to be the largest in the world. Like a giant cuckoo clock, it chimes every day at noon with a somewhat unique mechanical spectacle, featuring a lion and a cockrel.

Elsewhere, the Museo Regionale is the place to head to if you want to see the city's top art collection, while anyone interested in sampling the best in local cuisine should be sure to try the swordfish at one of the city's restaurants, as it's said to be a real speciality in this part of Sicily.